Television (TV) has profoundly impacted society as an effective communications technology since its early development. It provides a platform for entertainment, advertising, and consumer culture. Additionally, TV has played an instrumental role in communicating historical events such as the moon landing, political campaigns, and global crises, thus influencing how people perceive the world. This article will highlight the key historical junctures of TV development and analyze the technological implications of its use. Finally, TV will be assessed as a cultural forum for individuals to participate in society.
Key historical junctures in the development of television:
Since its early inception, which can be traced back to 1884, the TV has undergone several key historical junctures that have shaped its fundamental development and impact on society (Miller, 2002). Below are the most significant milestones.
Early Development and Innovation (1880s – 1930s)
In 1884, German inventor Paul Gottlieb Nipkow was credited with creating an image-scanning disk device, often cited as the origin of TV (McLuhan, 1964). In 1927, Philo Farnsworth successfully transmitted the first electronic image, demonstrating the vast potential of TV as a new form of communications technology (McLuhan, 1964). Between 1930 and 1936, the first public demonstrations of television took place, showcasing moving images to the public (McLuhan, 1964). This further expanded to the implementation of regular broadcasts by the BBC, further setting the stage for future broadcasting standards (McLuhan, 1964).
Post-War Commercialization (1940s – 1950s)
During the post-war expansion and commercialization, the United States introduced commercial TV broadcasts in 1941, with stations like WNBT, which is now WNBC in New York City (Miller, 2002). The years preceding World War Two until the early 1950s marked the golden age of television (Miller, 2002). This era was characterized by the proliferation of TV sets in households and the rise of various programs and genres (Miller, 2002). In 1953, NBC aired the first colour broadcast, transitioning from black-and-white to colour TV (Miller, 2002).
Globalization and Technology Advancement (1960s – 1970s)
Globalization and various technological advancements transformed how individuals watched TV during this era. In 1962, the launch of Telstar, the first communications-based satellite, enabled live transatlantic broadcasts and global TV coverage (Miller, 2002). Because of this technological advancement, millions of viewers worldwide could watch the 1969 Apollo 11 moon landing (Miller, 2002). The 1970s also saw the widespread implementation of cable television, significantly expanding the range of available channels and programming to consumers (Miller, 2002).
Digital Revolution and High Definition (1980s – Present)
During this era, satellite TV and networks like CNN introduced 24-hour format news broadcasts, the 1996 Telecommunications Act spurred competition, and HDTV offered superior visual quality (Hodkinson, 2017). This era further evolved into the internet and streaming era, where services such as Netflix and other similar smart TV integrated services minimized the use of cable (Hodkinson, 2017). The addition of 4k and 8k enhanced viewing also developed recently during this time (Hodkinson, 2017).
These key historical junctures highlight the evolution of television as a medium and its profound impact on communication, culture, and society. From its early experimental stages to its status as a dominant force in media consumption, TV has continuously adapted to technological advancement and viewer preferences. Understanding these milestones is crucial in communication studies to appreciate the dynamic nature of TV and its role in shaping public discourse and cultural trends.
TV Technology
TV as a medium can enhance, reverse, make obsolete, and retrieve in the context of communications studies. This all can be done by using Marshall McLuhan’s tetrad of media effects, which organizes a framework to analyze the impact of a medium on society (Islas, 2016).
Enhancements
TV enhances visual and auditory communication by broadcasting moving images and sounds to a vast audience. It allows for the simultaneous transmission of information, entertainment, and education to millions of people worldwide. This medium ultimately enhances the ability to share experiences and knowledge effectively across vast distances in real-time, making it a powerful tool for mass communication.
What the TV made obsolete
With the adoption of the TV, older forms of entertainment and communication became obsolete. While not completely obsolete, the radio was significantly diminished due to the adoption of TV in society (Islas, 2016). Print media, such as newspapers and magazines, also decreased usage as people turned to TV for news and entertainment (Islas, 2016). Finally, the TV brought visual storytelling to the households of millions, thus reducing the need to visit a theatre for entertainment (Islas, 2016).
What the TV retrieves that had been obsolesced
Television retrieves the oral tradition of storytelling and the communal experience of gathering to consume content (Islas, 2016). Before written communication became dominant, stories were told and shared orally within communities. TV reintroduces the notion of collective storytelling and a shared communal experience (Islas, 2016).
As a technology, television ultimately broadcasts visual and auditory content to a broad audience, enhancing mass communication and entertainment. It makes older forms of media like radio and print less central. It retrieves the communal and oral storytelling traditions and can reverse into a medium of passive consumption and misinformation if overutilized or misused.
TV in a contemporary context and cultural forum
In a contemporary context, TV continues to profoundly impact mass public opinion, culture, and social behaviour (Miller,2002). It remains the primary source of information, education, and entertainment for audiences worldwide (Miller, 2002). TV’s ability to broadcast live news events and other forms of diverse content has made it an essential tool for mass communication, fostering shared cultural experiences. The TV also plays a fundamental role in disseminating information on global political issues and influencing political options, providing a platform for various voices and perspectives (Miller, 2002).
Culturally, television has been instrumental in reflecting and shaping societal values and ever-changing norms (Miller, 2002). TV has introduced and popularized new genres, narratives and characters, contributing to the evolution of pop culture (Miller, 2002). The integration of TV with various internet streaming services has further expanded its reach, allowing for personalized, on-demand viewing experiences (Miller, 2002). Overall, as the TV continues to evolve, it will remain a powerful medium that shapes and reflects the complexities of modern life.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the TV has remained a cornerstone of mass communication, evolving through numerous technological and cultural milestones since its inception. From broadcasting landmark events like the Apollo moon landing to shaping consumer culture and political landscapes, TV has profoundly influenced public perception and societal engagement. As we have explored its historical development and technological advancement, it is evident that TV continues to serve as a dynamic cultural forum, enabling individuals to connect, engage, and participate in the broader societal discourse. Its role in shaping contemporary media consumption and cultural narratives remains unparalleled compared to other communication technologies.
References:
Hodkinson, P. (2017). Media, Culture & Society: An Introduction. SAGE Publications.
Islas, O. (2016). Understanding Media: The Extensions of Man (1964), the foundations of Marshall McLuhan’s tetrad. Explorations in Media Ecology, 15(1), 81-91. https://doi.org/10.1386/eme.15.1.81_1
Miller, T. (Ed.). (2002). Television: Critical Concepts in Media and Cultural Studies. Routledge.
McLuhan, M. (1964). Understanding Media: The Extensions of Man. McGraw-Hill.
